“They’re bff’s right now” NBA Analyst believes Russell Westbrook and Darvin Ham have got off on the right note
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Russell Westbrook - Los Angeles Lakers
With the 2022 season and Draft behind them, the Lakers are determined to help Russell Westbrook find renewed success in 2022-23 should he return to L.A. But yet there were many trade rumors surrounding the star guard. While trade rumors swirl around Russell Westbrook, many expect him to stay with the Lakers unless Rob Pelinka could do some magic with the Irving trade. So, Darvin Ham is preparing for Russ to be on the Lakers roster come opening night.
With LA’s young guns taking the floor at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the newly-minted Lakers head coach joined NBA TV’s broadcast of the game. He seemed happy with the lads hooping for the LA team and seemed excited with the talent promised to him at the franchise. He was again asked about the Westbrook situation, to which Ham express his excitement to coach the former MVP.
“Russ, in my opinion, man — he’s in great shape, he’s durable, and in this system — this four-out, one-in system — he’s gonna have a chance to screen and roll and make plays in the half roll,” Ham said on NBA TV. Adding to the Coach’s comments, 49-year-old Spear said, “They are BFFs right now, They are talking on the phone, they are texting, They are having Lunch and dinners together, He (Ham) said don’t count Russell out.”
Spear added that Darvin Ham has a clear plan to push 2-time scoring Champion’s energy and see him as a starter. Marc also claims that Darvin Ham Loves Russell Westbrook and let go of all the trade buzz around the 33-year-old superstar guard.
Can Russell Westbrook and Darvin Ham unlock the future for Los Angeles Lakers?
Selected as the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Russell Westbrook has proved himself to be a superstar in the league. He managed an astonishing 194 triple-doubles in his career and even won the MVP award in 2017. A Player of Westbrook’s quality would be an extra motivation and advantage to any team.
Sadly not For Los Angeles Lakers though. Fans experienced a huge drop in performance in all the departments from Westbrook and after just 1 season with the franchise many people want him out as early as possible.
Interestingly though Lakers parted ways with former Championship coach Frank Vogel, with whom Russell never stroked a healthy relationship. Now comes Darvin Ham, who is known for his people management skills, and if we believe Marc J Spears, the player and coach are having a great relationship.
Ham, who plans to employ a four-out, one-in offense in LA, envisions Westbrook thriving during the 2022-23 season. In an interview, Ham mentioned Russell Westbrook as an important part of his plans. HE said, “(Westbrook is) gonna have a chance to run on the break, slash, get layups. He’s gonna have a chance to sprint out to the corner, flatten the defense, get corner 3s, as well as the things that he already does well.”
Ham’s excitement to coach Westbrook this upcoming season is the ultimate vote of confidence after Westbrook largely struggled throughout the 2021-22 campaign. Westbrook appeared in a team-high 78 games for the Lakers, but his scoring average (18.5) was its lowest since his second season in the league.
A lack of health was the main culprit for a shaky fit between Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis led to a disappointing 33-49 finish for the Lakers. If all their stars remain healthy, and Darvin Ham can bring back “triple-double” king Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers might have a great chance to go deep in the postseason.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)